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Earthbound
All day he lay there, hearing the mute Noise of machinery beneath that place, Roots changing their gears, stones turning Over and over. The birds all night Sang of the wondrous beauty in his face. So it is told us. But history gives No ultimate verdict upon his fate, Some say he was mad, and one living Close to that lonely spot says all the leaves Suddenly held their breath, as at the great Moment of tragedy. For thus the world Makes and maintains her secrets, calling us Down like Persephone into the dark Wombs of creation or like the child Into its marvelous solitude; and thus Out of the warm earth our legends grow. People passing that way in spring are sad Seeing his eyes in flowers, in the trees His lovable brave limbs. I think they know More than they understand, and are afraid.